U.S. patent application number 11/252799 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for photographic method and photographic apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Eiichi Kito.
Application Number | 20060083500 11/252799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36180858 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060083500 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kito; Eiichi |
April 20, 2006 |
Photographic method and photographic apparatus
Abstract
The photographic method and apparatus take, at the same shooting
position, a background image without a subject, a first principal
image for outputting, and a second principal image whose shooting
conditions differ from those of the first principal image with a
camera for photoelectrically picking up an image, a changing device
for changing shooting conditions and a shooting controlling device,
and extract the subject based on a first difference between the
background image and the first principal image and a second
difference between the first principal image and the second
principal image with an image processing device.
Inventors: |
Kito; Eiichi; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
36180858 |
Appl. No.: |
11/252799 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
396/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/38 20130101; G03B
15/08 20130101; H04N 1/00132 20130101; H04N 1/00289 20130101; G06T
5/50 20130101; H04N 5/272 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
396/003 |
International
Class: |
G03B 15/00 20060101
G03B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 20, 2004 |
JP |
2004-305421 |
Claims
1. A photographic method, comprising: taking, at the same shooting
position, a background image without a subject, a first principal
image for outputting, and a second principal image whose shooting
conditions differ from those of said first principal image; and
extracting said subject based on a first difference between said
background image and said first principal image and a second
difference between said first principal image and said second
principal image.
2. The photographic method according to claim 1, wherein said
extracted subject is composited with an image that is previously
prepared for composition.
3. The photographic method according to claim 1, wherein said
extracting step of said subject comprises: extracting a first
subject candidate based on said first difference between said
background image and said first principal image; extracting a
second subject candidate based on said second difference between
said first principal image and said second principal image; and
setting, as said subject, an area common to said first subject
candidate and said second subject candidate.
4. The photographic method according to claim 1, wherein said first
principal image and said second principal image are photographed at
different illumination settings.
5. The photographic method according to claim 1, wherein said first
principal image and said second principal image are photographed at
different apertures.
6. A photographic apparatus, comprising: a camera for
photoelectrically picking up an image; changing means for changing
shooting conditions; shooting controlling means for causing said
camera and said changing means to carry out shooting of a
background image without a subject, a first principal image for
outputting, and a second principal image whose shooting conditions
differ from those of said first principal image; and image
processing means for extracting said subject based on a first
difference between said background image and said first principal
image and a second difference between said first principal image
and said second principal image.
7. The photographic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said
image processing means creates a composite image by compositing
said extracted subject with an image that is previously prepared
for composition.
8. The photographic apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising a light source or sources for illuminating said subject,
wherein said changing means sets said light source or sources to
different illumination settings for shooting of said first
principal image and shooting of said second principal image.
9. The photographic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
light source or sources are an LED.
10. The photographic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said
camera has an aperture and said changing means sets different
apertures for shooting of said first principal image and shooting
of said second principal image.
11. The photographic apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising at least one of a printer which outputs, as a print,
said composite image created by said image processing means, and
recording means which records onto a recording medium said
composite image created by said image processing means.
Description
[0001] The entire contents of literatures cited in this
specification are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a photographic apparatus
installed at a storefront, a tourist site, and the like for users
to take their ID photos or commemorative photos. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a photographic method which is
capable of taking ID photos and commemorative photos against
appropriate backgrounds without needing drapery, a panel, or the
like as a backdrop, and a photographic apparatus for implementing
the photographic method.
[0003] ID photo-taking apparatuses installed at storefronts of
photo labs, street corners, and the like usually have a box (booth)
shape so that a person to be photographed (subject) enters the box
and takes a picture of himself/herself against a given background
under appropriate shooting conditions.
[0004] It is also common for commemorative photo-taking apparatuses
installed at tourist sites, amusement parks, and the like to have
drapery, a panel, or the like placed behind the subject in order to
provide an even background.
[0005] While most of such commemorative or ID photo-taking
apparatuses do not give users background options, photographic
apparatuses disclosed in JP 05-161064 A and U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,148
are capable of compositing an image of a subject with an
arbitrarily chosen background by utilizing chroma key technology
which is used mainly for motion pictures, to extract (separate) the
subject from the photographed image. However, this type of
apparatus also needs a given backdrop (usually blue screen) in
order to properly extract the subject by chroma key technology.
[0006] In short, conventional commemorative or ID photo-taking
apparatuses need a box large enough for a person to enter inside,
or drapery or a panel as a backdrop, which makes the apparatuses
large in size and accordingly raises such problems as limited
installation locations and high cost.
[0007] JP 2003-179811 A discloses an animation image compositing
apparatus capable of compositing animation images without drapery
or a panel as a backdrop. This apparatus detects changes in an
animation footage taken, recognizes pixels whose coordinates have
changed as motion pixels, extracts a principal image based on the
result of recognizing motion pixels, discards other images than the
principal image as background images, and composites the principal
image cut out of the background with a created background image
that is specifically chosen for this principal image.
[0008] The apparatus disclosed in JP 2003-179811 A utilizes changes
in an image to extract the subject.
[0009] Therefore, the possibility is strong that an object in the
background is included in the extracted subject when there is a
change in the background such as a change in position of a
background object (e.g., a parked car pulling out) and an
appearance of a new background object (e.g., a passerby). In short,
the apparatus of JP 2003-179811 A is low in accuracy of extracting
the subject. Moreover, this method is not applicable to still
images such as ID photos and commemorative photos taken according
to JP 05-161064 A and U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,148, since those images
exhibit no change that can be used to extract the subject.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the
above-described problems of prior art, and it is therefore an
object of the present invention to provide a photographic method
that eliminates a box inside which a person to be photographed
enters and drapery or a panel as a backdrop in taking ID photos,
commemorative photos, and other still images, and that can extract
and separate the subject from the background with high accuracy,
regardless of changes in the background, to composite the extracted
subject image with a desired background image, and to provide a
photographic apparatus that embodies this photographic method.
[0011] In order to attain the above object, the present invention
provides a photographic method, comprising: taking, at the same
shooting position, a background image without a subject, a first
principal image for outputting, and a second principal image whose
shooting conditions differ from those of the first principal image;
and extracting the subject based on a first difference between the
background image and the first principal image and a second
difference between the first principal image and the second
principal image.
[0012] According to the photographic method of the present
invention, the extracted subject is preferably composited with an
image that is previously prepared for composition.
[0013] It is preferable that the extracting step of the subject
comprises: extracting a first subject candidate based on the first
difference between the background image and the first principal
image; extracting a second subject candidate based on the second
difference between the first principal image and the second
principal image; and setting, as the subject, an area common to the
first subject candidate and the second subject candidate.
[0014] The first principal image and the second principal image are
preferably photographed at different illumination settings.
[0015] Alternatively, the first principal image and the second
principal image are preferably photographed at different
apertures.
[0016] In order to attain the above object, the present invention
provides a photographic apparatus, comprising: a camera for
photoelectrically picking up an image; changing means for changing
shooting conditions; shooting controlling means for causing the
camera and the changing means to carry out shooting of a background
image without a subject, a first principal image for outputting,
and a second principal image whose shooting conditions differ from
those of the first principal image; and image processing means for
extracting the subject based on a first difference between the
background image and the first principal image and a second
difference between the first principal image and the second
principal image.
[0017] According to this photographic apparatus of the present
invention, the image processing means preferably creates a
composite image by compositing the extracted subject with an image
that is previously prepared for composition.
[0018] It is preferable that the photographic apparatus further
comprises a light source or sources for illuminating the subject,
wherein the changing means sets the light source or sources to
different illumination settings for shooting of the first principal
image and shooting of the second principal image.
[0019] The light source or sources are preferably an LED.
[0020] Alternatively, it is preferable that the camera has an
aperture and the changing means sets different apertures for
shooting of the first principal image and shooting of the second
principal image.
[0021] It is preferable that the photographic apparatus further
comprises at least one of a printer which outputs, as a print, the
composite image created by the image processing means, and
recording means which records onto a recording medium the composite
image-created by the image processing means.
[0022] Structured as above, the present invention can eliminate,
from a commemorative or ID photo-taking apparatus, a box (booth)
inside which a person to be photographed enters so that the subject
is photographed under suitable shooting conditions with the box's
wall as a background, and drapery or a panel as a backdrop of the
photo. The present invention thus greatly reduces the apparatus in
size, and greatly enhances the degree of freedom in choosing where
to install the apparatus, thereby making it possible to install the
apparatus in small stores or the like without difficulties.
[0023] In addition to eliminating drapery or the like as a
backdrop, the present invention is capable of extracting a subject
from an image with high accuracy and separating the subject from
the background regardless of changes in the background (scene
shot). Therefore, the extracted subject can be composited with an
arbitrarily chosen background image to create an ID photo or a
commemorative photo as desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In the accompanying drawings:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of
a print order receiving machine which utilizes a photographic
method and photographic apparatus of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the
configuration of a shooting/extracting processing system of the
print order receiving machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the print order
receiving machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating how a photo is taken by
the print order receiving machine shown in FIG. 1; and
[0029] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are conceptual diagrams illustrating a
photographic method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] A detailed description will be given below on a photographic
method and photographic apparatus of the present invention through
a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a
print order receiving machine which carries out a photographic
method of the present invention by employing a photographic
apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram
outlining the configuration of a shooting/extracting processing
system of this print order receiving machine. FIG. 3 shows a system
configuration diagram of this print order receiving machine.
[0032] The print order receiving machine shown in FIG. 1 denoted by
10 (hereinafter referred to as order receiving machine 10) is
obtained by adding photographing functions for carrying out the
present invention to a print order receiving machine which receives
such an order as to produce a printed copy from an image (image
data) picked up with a digital camera or the like and recorded in
various recording media including SmartMedia.TM. and
CompactFlash.TM.. The order receiving machine 10 has a storage
media loading unit (storage media read/write unit (hereinafter
referred to as media R/W unit)) 12, a display 14 and a receipt
outputting unit (receipt printing printer) 16, plus a digital
camera (DSC) 18 for picking up an image and a light source 20 for
illumination upon shooting.
[0033] In addition to these exterior parts, the order receiving
machine 10 basically has such interior parts as a CPU 24, a ROM 26,
a RAM 28, an image memory 30 for storing like a buffer an image
(image data) that is read out of a recording medium M and an image
that is to be recorded on the recording medium M, an
enlarging/reducing processing unit 32 for enlarging/reducing an
image, a display controller 34, a display memory 36 for storing an
image that is to be displayed on the display 14, an interface (I/F)
42 for connecting the order receiving machine 10 with a printer 38
and with an external image processing device 40, an image
processing unit 44 for performing necessary image processing
including gray scale correction and color/density correction on an
image read out of the recording medium M, a template storing unit
50, a principal image storing unit 52, a background image storing
unit 54, a subject extracting processing unit 56, a shooting
controlling unit 58, an image compositing unit 60, and a composite
image storing unit 62.
[0034] The order receiving machine 10 employs known methods for all
of various kinds of image processing in the image processing unit
44 and image enlargement/reduction (electronic magnification
processing) in the enlarging/reducing processing unit 32.
[0035] The printer 38 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is set
apart from the order receiving machine 10 and is externally
connected to the order receiving machine 10. However, the order
receiving machine 10 of the present invention (photographic
apparatus of the present invention) is not limited thereto and may
have a built-in printer 38.
[0036] Any type of printer, whether it is an externally connected
type or a built-in type, can be employed as the printer 38. To give
an example, the printer 38 may be a digital photo printer in which
a latent image is recorded by exposing a photosensitive material
(developing paper) to a light beam that is modified in accordance
with (image data of) a recorded image, and given wet treatment is
performed on the exposed photosensitive material, or may be a
printer that uses a thermally developable photosensitive material
to transfer an image onto an image receiving medium through a heat
developing process in the presence of an image forming solvent such
as water, an electrophotographic printer, an inkjet printer, or a
thermal printer which uses a thermal head.
[0037] The receipt printing printer 16 may also be a thermal
printer or other known printers that are used in photo order
receiving machines installed at storefronts and the like.
[0038] The media R/W unit 12 can be a reader/writer of any known
storage medium, for example, SmartMedia.TM., CompactFlash.TM.,
Memory Stick.TM., SD Memory Card.TM., PC Card, CD-R, or MD.
[0039] The media R/W unit 12 may be designed to accommodate several
types of storage medium instead of only one type.
[0040] The shooting controlling unit 58 is the unit that controls
the operation of the DSC 18 and the light source 20.
[0041] The DSC 18 is basically a known digital (still) camera.
[0042] In the order receiving machine 10 shown in the drawings, the
DSC 18 picks up a background image without a subject, a first
principal image corresponding to the output, and a second principal
image in response to an instruction from the shooting controlling
unit 58 (shooting signal). The first principal image and the second
principal image, both of which show the subject, are taken in
succession but under different shooting conditions. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first principal image is photographed
with the light source 20 turned on (illumination on upon shooting)
whereas the second principal image is photographed with the light
source 20 turned off (illumination off upon shooting). A more
detailed description will be given later.
[0043] The DSC 18 is fixed in position in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 for better operability in shooting, but may be adjustable in
angle so that it can be directed to the left or right and tilted
upward or downward as the need arises.
[0044] The light source 20 is a light source that emits light in
response to an instruction from the shooting controlling unit 58 to
provide illumination for shooting. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
1, four light sources are arranged to surround the display 14.
[0045] The light source 20 is not limited to a particular type.
Various kinds of light source are employable as long as they can
illuminate the subject (person to be photographed) evenly in an
amount of light enough for shooting. The light source 20 has to
provide illumination in a manner that enables the order receiving
machine 10 to properly photograph a subject who is positioned near
the order receiving machine 10. At the same time, it is preferable
that light emitted from the light source 20 focuses on the subject
and does not reach the background since, in the order receiving
machine 10 shown in the drawings, illumination settings for
shooting are changed so that the first principal image and the
second principal image have different shooting conditions. Also, in
order to avoid wasting time in taking the second principal image
after the first principal image is photographed, it is preferable
to choose as the light source 20 one that is quick to respond.
[0046] Considering the above points, LED is preferred as the light
source 20 because of its quick response and small size, which
enables the order receiving machine 10 to have plural light sources
adjusted in direction and arranged so that the subject is
illuminated evenly from multiple directions.
[0047] The template storing unit 50 stores an (image) template
(image for composition) to be composited with an image of a
subject, which is extracted from a photographed image leaving out
background objects, and to serve as the background of the subject
on a printed copy.
[0048] Various kinds of image can be stored as templates, including
a solid image (a monochromatic image of uniform density), a variety
of designs and patterns, and scenery images such as famous and
historical places, tourist sites, and theme parks.
[0049] The template may be stored as an image (picture) or, in the
case of a solid image, as color values (image data of R, G and B),
or as an image and color values.
[0050] The template storing unit 50 in the illustrated embodiment
stores plural templates from which a suitable one is chosen prior
to shooting.
[0051] The principal image storing unit 52 stores (image data of)
the first principal image and (image data of) the second principal
image which are picked up by the DSC 18. The background image
storing unit 54 stores (image data of) a background image picked up
by the DSC 18. The composite image storing unit 62 stores (image
data of) a composite image that is created by the image compositing
unit 60, which will be described later, by compositing the
extracted subject with the image for composition as the
background.
[0052] Known storage, alone or combined with the image memory 30,
can be employed as the storing units 52, 54, and 62.
[0053] The subject extracting processing unit 56 calculates the
difference between the background image and the first principal
image and the difference between the first principal image and the
second principal image to extract the subject out of the first
principal image based on the two differences.
[0054] A more detailed description will be given later.
[0055] The image compositing unit 60 reads a chosen template (image
for composition) out of the template storing unit 50, deletes, from
the first principal image, the background area left after the
subject extracting unit 56 extracts the subject, and fits the read
template behind the background-less subject image to create (image
data of) a composite image which can be printed out or outputted in
other forms.
[0056] Known methods can be employed for removal of the background
area and for image composition.
[0057] The display 14 displays, under control of the display
controller 34, a photographed image, a composite image, an image
read out of a storage medium, an operation screen by GUI (Graphical
User Interface), etc.
[0058] The order receiving machine 10 in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 employs a touch panel as the display 14. In short, the
display 14 doubles as a measure to operate the order receiving
machine 10. Through GUI on the display 14, various instructions are
inputted including a shooting instruction, an instruction to choose
an image for composition (background of a printed photo), an image
composition instruction, an instruction to print a photographed
image (composite image), an instruction to retouch an image, and
order information instructions such as a choice of image to be
printed and the print size of the print.
[0059] The order receiving machine 10 (photographic apparatus) of
the present invention is not limited to a mode in which every
operation command is given through the touch panel, but may have
additional operating tools such as a keyboard and a mouse.
Alternatively, a keyboard and a mouse alone may be used to operate
the order receiving machine 10 while the display 14 is restricted
to the single task of displaying.
[0060] A more detailed description will be given below on a
photographic method and photographic apparatus of the present
invention by explaining how the order receiving machine 10 picks up
an image with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 4.
[0061] While on standby (while not performing any processing), the
order receiving machine 10 picks up a background image with the DSC
18. The photographed background image is stored in the background
image storing unit 54.
[0062] The timing required to photograph a background image (in
other words, when to output a shooting signal for picking up a
background image from the shooting controlling unit 58 to the DSC
18) is not particularly limited. For instance, a background image
may be picked up automatically at regular intervals, or
automatically at a fixed time (e.g., at six o'clock, twelve o'clock
and 18 o'clock), or upon reception of a shooting instruction
through the display from a manager of the order receiving machine
10 or the like. These may be used in combination, or may be
presented as options to choose from.
[0063] Under what condition a background image is to be picked up
is not particularly limited. The order receiving machine 10 is in
general installed inside a store, an outdoor space set specifically
for the machine, or the like, and usually receives enough external
illumination to pickup a proper background image without using the
light source 20 to illuminate the background. However, in order to
stably extract the subject with accuracy, it is preferable to
photograph the background image under the same shooting conditions
as the first principal image.
[0064] When a user, who is usually the subject, gives an
instruction through the display 14 to start shooting, the order
receiving machine 10 has the display 14 display a screen for
selecting an image for composition (background of an image that is
to be outputted), and prompts the user to choose one.
Simultaneously, directions for informing the user where to stand
and which way to face when shooting is executed may be displayed on
the display 14.
[0065] When a template is chosen and a shooting instruction is
given (a shooting button is turned on) by the user, the shooting
controlling unit 58 turns the light source 20 on (illumination on)
and then sends a shooting signal to the DSC 18. In response to the
signal, the DSC 18 picks up the first principal image. The first
principal image corresponds to the output, and therefore is picked
up under shooting conditions under which the subject can be
photographed properly. The light source 20 illuminates the subject
positioned near the order receiving machine 10 so that the subject
is properly photographed.
[0066] The first principal image (image data of the first principal
image) is sent from the DSC 18 to the principal image storing unit
52 to be stored therein.
[0067] After the first principal image is picked up, the shooting
controlling unit 58 turns off the light source 20 (illumination
off) and then sends a shooting signal to the DSC 18. In response to
the signal, the DSC 18 picks up the second principal image. The
second principal image (image data of the second principal image)
is also sent from the DSC 18 to the principal image storing unit 52
to be stored therein.
[0068] In order to set shooting conditions for the second principal
image different from those of the first principal image, light
emitted from the light source 20 for shooting may be reduced in
amount instead of completely turning off the light source 20.
[0069] After the first principal image and the second principal
image are photographed and stored in the principal image storing
unit 52, the subject extracting processing unit 56 reads the first
principal image and the second principal image out of the principal
image storing unit 52, and reads the background image out of the
background image storing unit 54.
[0070] The following description is directed to a case in which the
background image is the one shown in FIG. 5A, the first principal
image is the one shown in FIG. 5B, and the second principal image
is the one shown in FIG. 5C.
[0071] The subject extracting processing unit 56 first calculates
the difference between the first principal image and the background
image.
[0072] As described above, the order receiving machine 10 is
usually installed in a place where external light is available in
an amount enough to photograph the background, and the first
principal image is picked up at illumination settings capable of
properly photographing a subject positioned near the order
receiving machine 10. In short, the first principal image holds a
properly photographed background and subject whereas the background
image holds a properly photographed background alone.
[0073] Accordingly, the difference between the two corresponds to
an area that is changed from when the background image is picked up
to when the first principal image is picked up, and includes the
subject who was not present at the time of shooting the background
image, and any change in the background. For instance, if an item a
and an item b which were on the shelf at the time of shooting the
background image have been removed from the background by the time
the first principal image is picked up (the items are indicated by
dotted lines in FIG. 5B), this area is extracted as the difference
in addition to the subject. The difference therefore does not
indicate the subject alone but is a subject candidate image, so to
speak.
[0074] The subject extracting processing unit 56 next calculates
the difference between the first principal image and the second
principal image.
[0075] As described above, the first principal image holds a
properly photographed subject and background. In the second
principal image, which is picked up with illumination turned off,
the background illuminated with enough external light as described
above is properly photographed whereas the subject positioned near
the order receiving machine 10 is not photographed properly because
of insufficient amount of light for shooting. There is usually no
change in the background between the first principal image and the
second principal image since the first and second principal images
are photographed practically in succession.
[0076] In short, the difference between the first principal image
and the second principal image corresponds to a subject area
separated by a blurred outline from the properly photographed
background.
[0077] The subject extracting processing unit 56 next compares the
difference between the first principal image and the background
image (subject candidate image) against the difference between the
first principal image and the second principal image (subject area)
to extract a subject image from the first principal image.
[0078] As described above, the difference between the first
principal image and the background image includes a properly
photographed subject with a sharp outline and a change in the
background, while the difference between the first principal image
and the second principal image indicates a subject area with a
blurred outline. Accordingly, an accurate subject area (subject
image) in the first principal image can be extracted by detecting a
rough subject area from the difference between the first principal
image and the second principal image, and then using this
information to remove an area where the background has been changed
based on the difference between the first image and the background
image.
[0079] After thus extracting the subject out of the first principal
image, the subject extracting processing unit 56 supplies the
subject area information to the image compositing unit 60.
[0080] The image compositing unit 60 reads the first principal
image out of the principal image storing unit 52, and uses the
supplied subject area information to remove from the first
principal image background areas other than the subject area. The
image compositing unit 60 then creates a composite image by placing
the previously chosen template (image for composition) behind the
subject in the first principal image. For instance, the background
is removed from the first principal image leaving only the subject,
and then a template is fit into the blank background area of the
first principal image to create a composite image.
[0081] (Image data of) the composite image of the subject and the
template is stored in the composite image storing unit 62.
[0082] The composite image is then displayed on the display 14
under control of the display controller 34 or the like. A screen
for selecting whether the composite image is suitable or unsuitable
(whether a photo is to be taken anew or the composite image is to
be outputted as a printed copy) is also displayed on the display 14
to prompt the user to choose.
[0083] When the composite image is unsuitable, in other words, when
"redo: Yes" is chosen to photograph the subject anew, the
processing returns to the start of shooting (turn on the shooting
button) and the subsequent steps are executed again in the same
manner. Alternatively, the processing returns to the step of
selecting a template and the subsequent steps are executed again in
the same manner.
[0084] When the composite image is suitable, in other words, when
"redo: No" is chosen, the composite image is supplied through the
I/F 42 to the printer 38, which outputs the composite image as a
printed copy (hard copy) Instead of being outputted as a printed
copy, the composite image may be sent to the media R/W unit 12 to
be recorded onto the loaded storage medium M, or may be outputted
as a printed copy and recorded on the storage medium M.
[0085] Then the receipt printing printer 16 prints and outputs a
receipt for the amount charged for a printed copy of the composite
image.
[0086] As is clear from the above description, the present
invention enables an ID photo or commemorative photo-taking
apparatus to accurately extract the subject alone without needing
drapery, a panel, a box (booth), or the like as the background
regardless of changes in the background by photographing a
background image, a first principal image, which is a picture of
the subject taken at appropriate settings and corresponding to the
output, and a second principal image, which is a picture of the
subject taken under shooting conditions different from those of the
first principal image. The present invention also enables the
photographic apparatus to produce an ID photo or commemorative
photo of high added value by compositing a prepared template (image
chosen for composition) with the extracted subject.
[0087] In addition, since drapery or a panel as a backdrop and a
box or the like inside which the subject enters are eliminated, the
photographic apparatus is greatly reduced in size, which greatly
enhances the degree of freedom in choosing where to install the
apparatus even in a narrow store or the like. Furthermore, the
present invention can readily be combined with such an existing
apparatus as a print order receiving machine which is placed at a
storefront to receive an order for producing a printed copy or the
like from an image (data) recorded in a storage medium as in the
illustrated embodiment.
[0088] In the above embodiment, shooting conditions different from
those of the first principal image are set for the second principal
image by changing illumination settings for shooting. However, the
present invention is not limited thereto and there are various
other ways to make shooting conditions of the first principal image
different from those of the second principal image.
[0089] A preferred embodiment is to change the shooting conditions
between the first principal image and the second principal image
through change of the aperture of the DSC 18.
[0090] For instance, the first principal image is photographed at
an aperture providing a depth of field that makes the camera focus
on both the subject and the background whereas the second principal
image is photographed at a depth of field that makes the camera
focus on the subject alone by opening the aperture. The second
principal image in this case is reverse to the one in the above
embodiment, where the outline of the subject is dull because of the
blurred background. In the manner described above, a subject
candidate image is extracted based on the difference between the
first principal image and the background image, a subject area is
extracted based on the difference between the first principal image
and the second principal image, and a changed background area is
removed based on the two differences, to thereby extract the
subject from the first principal image with precision.
[0091] Conditions other than the one in the preferred embodiment
can be changed in the present invention to set different shooting
conditions for the first principal image and the second principal
image in extracting the subject from the first principal image.
[0092] A detailed description has been given on a photographic
method and photographic apparatus of the present invention.
However, the present invention is not limited to the above
embodiment, and can receive various improvements and modifications
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0093] For instance, the present invention is not limited to the
above embodiment where a photographic method and photographic
apparatus of the present invention are applied to a print order
receiving machine which receives an order for a printed copy of an
image (image data) picked up by a digital camera or the like and
stored in a storage medium such as SmartMedia.TM.. The present
invention may instead be applied to a photographic apparatus that
only takes ID photos or commemorative photos and does not
print.
[0094] The order receiving machine 10 may have a function of
receiving an order for a printed copy or the like of not only image
data stored in a storage medium but also image data obtained
directly from cellular phones with a camera feature, digital
cameras, or the like, and a function of processing the order (e.g.,
producing the printed copy) as well. Alternatively, the order
receiving machine 10 may receive an order for a printed copy or the
like of image data only from cellular phones and digital cameras.
Also, the order receiving machine 10 may receive and process an
order for a printed copy or the like of image data only from
cellular phones and digital cameras.
* * * * *